Cornel West to Deliver Keynote at Morehouse College’s 141st Commencement

Morehouse College is honored to announce that Dr. Cornel West, celebrated philosopher, public intellectual, and social justice advocate, will deliver the keynote address at its 141st Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 9 a.m. The ceremony will be held on the historic Century Campus.

Dr. West, a towering figure in American thought, will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his lifelong contributions to scholarship, activism, and public discourse. His speech will cap a weeklong celebration honoring the Class of 2025 and milestone reunions of distinguished alumni.

Among those celebrated are Robert Franklin ’75, Morehouse’s 10th president; Willie Woods ’85, Chair of the Board of Trustees; former U.S. Congressman Cedric Richmond ’95; attorney and political commentator Bakari Sellers ’05; and business leader George Wells ’00.

Acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay and retiring Morehouse President Dr. David A. Thomas will also be recognized for their transformative leadership and cultural impact.

This year’s commencement continues Morehouse’s legacy of celebrating excellence, leadership, and enduring contributions to society.